Although the thread starter has already decided, some of you may have the same question of "WDTV Live vs. Xtreamer" in your mind. I had the opportunity to compare both in my home setup, so here's a comparative summary (in no way comprehensive, but I hope it might help):
WD TV Live Advantages over Xtreamer:
- Faster bootup (seriously, this boots up like >10x faster than the Xtreamer)
- More powerful hardware
- Component video output
- More compact unit
- No fan, ultra-quiet (lack of fan has a disadvantage too, though)
- GUI is easier to use, Xtreamer can seem too techie
- Media search-by-filename feature
- Able to browse media by date and other criteria, while Xtreamer is only by folder
- Media browser is safer, Xtreamer allows delete and rename right into the media list (instead of just in File Manager)
- Matte finish, so less fingerprints (but also less elegance)
- Support for HDMI Deep Color
Xtreamer Advantages over WDTV Live:
- Comes with Wi-Fi bundle, so no need to make sure you buy a compatible Wi-Fi dongle if you need wireless.
- Has internal HDD, a better solution as the main media server at home
- Smaller footprint, designed for vertical orientation (with included base/stand)
- Fan with adjustable speed; Xtreamer's fan can be turned off but it's still there when needed
- Has internal volume control
- Uses plain old RCA which is easier to replace than WDTV Live's 3-in-1 AV connector
- Can browse entire library at once (no need to choose between Video, Photo, Music first)
- Remote is not as overly simplistic as the Live, less clicks needed to access many of the functions
- Favorites feature (I think WDTV Live doesn't have this, does it?)
- Displays codec info on the Info Bar (this may not be important to many of you, though)
- Much more internet content (although some are outdated such as News channels)
- Has advanced server features such as NAS, Web Server, FTP Server, DDNS.etc.
- Looks. The Live is cute, but the Xtreamer looks more expensive.
- Price. Xtreamer is packed with more features per buck. (Better hardware can save the Live though, with future firmware updates)
Wishlist:
- I hope the WDTV Live, in future firmware updates, would have an Advanced Mode for more tech-savvy users, to enable many missing features. Coz otherwise, its superior hardware wouldn't be fully utilized unless you play purely 1080p files encoded at very high bitrates all the time.